“Do Your Random Acts…”

For Lorelei, December 31, 1954 – June 15, 2017

Today, Lorelei C., one of my postcard pals was laid to rest. She was a kind soul who generously and randomly sent postcards that would arrive just when I needed a pick-me-up. Tributes on her Facebook page and the Love Notes page reveal that everyone had that experience with her.

Just hours before her passing, one of her daughters urged us all via a FB post, “Do your random acts of kindness. She loves that stuff.” I can think of no better way to honor her memory than by doing just that.

Her placing cutouts of the letters that form the word “kindness” against a plain white background makes her intent is clear. Kindness, plain and simple, is where we should place our focus in our daily interactions.

The card seems to encourage us to do our acts of kindness–without noise, without distraction, without motive or promise of reward, acknowledgement or applause. And sometimes, as Christine points out in her note, the kindness may be in “one word [that] can change someone’s entire day.”

She ends the card with the admonition:

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. –Dalai Lama

Mere days before her passing, Lorelei was still sending postcards. “It is always possible.”

I love to surprise people with little compliments — especially when someone has a long face. You can change someone’s day with a kind comments or positive words. As I teacher I found that children respond well to nice comments — so often what they hear from us (parents and teachers) is serious advice, or negativity.

Yes, Val! I agree. A simple compliment can quickly change someone’s demeanor. And unfortunately, you’re so right about kids. It’s crucial that we undo some of the noise they take in. Poor babies. Thanks for dropping in and commenting.